‘Myles doesn’t shy away from a challenge’

Apr 18, 2017

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General

U/21 Qualifiers

U19 - Qualifiers

Photo: Domenic Aqulina/MFA

Malta FA Technical Director Robert Gatt has lauded Myles Beerman’s attitude and determination to succeed as the Malta U-21 wing-back continues to earn positive reviews for his performances since breaking into Rangers’ first team.

Beerman, who turned 18 in March, made his third consecutive appearance for Rangers in a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle at Ibrox Stadium last weekend.

“Myles has represented Malta in every age-group at youth level, playing alongside players who, in the main, were two years older than him,” Gatt said in an interview with Scottish newspaper Daily Record.

“Myles was still 14 when we noticed he possessed all the attributes of a future footballer.

“We called him to join our Under-17 national squad which was largely made up of players who were 15 and 16. In February 2014 our Under-17s played in an international tournament in Rome and Myles played a part in all three games.

“He was the youngest player of the tournament and his performances then also left a very positive impression on Italian scouts.”

Beerman was only 15 when he featured for Malta in the UEFA U-17 Championship, which was held here in 2014, but Gatt said the youngster was unfazed by the challenge.

“Myles made his debut in this tournament in the second half of the opening game against England and went on to play against the Netherlands and Turkey where he played the full game.

“Although he was two years younger than most of the players in this tournament, Myles performed very well.

“I believe that experience must have helped him a great deal as international games always enrich players’ experience as well as their self-confidence.”

The Malta FA Technical Director described Beerman, who joined Glasgow Rangers from Manchester City during the January transfer window, as a gifted player with a fine left foot.

“Myles showed he was a talented footballer technically, with a very good left foot, agile and a quick thinker,” Gatt told the Daily Record.

“Above all, he had great passion for football and also showed great determination and commitment during training.

“It is our policy to promote the best players, irrespective of their age.

“Besides his footballing abilities, Myles doesn’t shy away from a challenge and demonstrated that he could handle the pressure of playing at international elite level.”

Amid the rising hype ahead of Rangers’ Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic on Sunday, Gatt was asked for his views about the Old Firm clash.

“Naturally, Rangers v Celtic is one of the most attractive fixtures in British football and it would be great to see him play in that,” Gatt said.

“He relishes challenges. The greater the challenge, the greater his determination.”

BEERMAN RELISHES OLD FIRM CLASH

Meanwhile, Beerman is very keen to play in Sunday’s game.

“I would love to be involved in such a massive game,” the Maltese youngster was quoted as saying in the Scottish media.

“I was at Hampden to watch the last Old Firm semi-final (in the Betfred Cup semi-final in October). It was incredible and the fans were impressive.

“Part of football is the motivation to do well against good players. That is what I love and that is what keeps me going. It’s an Old Firm game and I know for a fact we will be up for it.

“I have watched them quite a lot this season. They are good players, but they are human beings. I have got to analyse them and then try to perform my best.”